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How to export session recordings on PostHog

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

To export session recordings on PostHog, navigate to the Session Recordings section, filter and select the recordings you want, then use the export functionality to download them as video files or JSON data. You can export individual recordings or bulk export multiple sessions at once.

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Prerequisites

  • Active PostHog account with session recordings enabled
  • Admin or appropriate permissions to access recordings
  • Recordings data available in your PostHog instance
  • Basic understanding of PostHog dashboard navigation

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Access the Session Recordings section

Log into your PostHog dashboard and click on Session Recordings in the left sidebar menu. If you don't see this option, ensure that session recordings are enabled in your project settings under Project Settings > Session Recording.
You can also access recordings through the search bar by typing 'recordings' for quick navigation.
2

Filter and locate target recordings

Use the filtering options at the top of the recordings list to narrow down your search. You can filter by:
  • Date range using the date picker
  • User properties or cohorts
  • Recording duration
  • Console errors or network issues
Apply your desired filters and locate the specific recordings you want to export.
Use the search function to find recordings by specific user IDs or session properties for faster location.
3

Select recordings for export

For individual recordings, click on the recording row to open the detailed view. For bulk export, use the checkboxes next to each recording you want to export. You can also use Select All to choose all visible recordings matching your current filters.
Hold Shift and click to select a range of recordings quickly.
4

Choose export format and options

Click the Export button (three dots menu for individual recordings or bulk export button when multiple are selected). Choose your export format:
  • Video (MP4) - Complete video file of the session
  • JSON Data - Raw session data including events and metadata
  • Both - Video and JSON data combined
JSON exports are smaller and better for analysis, while video exports are ideal for sharing and presentations.
5

Configure export settings

In the export dialog, configure additional settings:
  • Select video quality (720p, 1080p, or original)
  • Choose to include or exclude sensitive data masking
  • Set custom filename prefix for organization
  • Select compression level for file size optimization
Click Configure Export to proceed.
Lower quality settings result in smaller file sizes but may affect readability of small text elements.
6

Initiate the export process

Review your export configuration and click Start Export. For large exports, PostHog will process them in the background. You'll see a progress indicator showing:
  • Number of recordings being processed
  • Current processing status
  • Estimated completion time
Large exports may take several minutes to hours depending on recording length and quantity.
7

Download exported files

Once processing is complete, you'll receive a notification and email (if enabled). Access your exports through:
  • Notifications panel - Click the bell icon and find your export
  • Export History - Go to Settings > Export History
  • Direct download link in the completion email
Click Download to save the files locally.
Export files are available for 7 days before automatic deletion, so download them promptly.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Export button is grayed out or missing

Ensure you have the necessary permissions to export recordings. Contact your PostHog admin to verify your role includes recording export permissions. Also check that recordings are not empty or corrupted.

Export fails or times out during processing

Try reducing the number of recordings in your export batch. Large exports should be broken into smaller chunks of 50-100 recordings. Check your internet connection and try again during off-peak hours.

Downloaded video files won't play or are corrupted

Verify the export completed successfully in your Export History. Re-download the files and try opening with different video players like VLC. If issues persist, re-export the specific recordings.

JSON export data appears incomplete or missing events

Check if data retention limits affected the recordings. Go to Project Settings > Data retention to verify your retention period. Some older recordings may have partial data due to retention policies.

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